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Motorcyclist blames brakes for fatal crash

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 8, 2007

A man charged with vehicular homicide testified in his own defense Wednesday. On the second day of his trial, Darryl S. Roberts told jurors that the August 2005 motorcycle crash that killed his passenger and ex-wife, Melissa Potter, was a tragic accident. He said the rear brakes "acted funny" and he swerved across the center line to avoid rear-ending cars that were just moving off a green light at Venable Street and Rock Crusher Road near Crystal River. A vehicle two cars ahead turned left, and the motorcycle hit it at a slow speed, other witnesses testified. Neither rider wore a helmet; Potter died several days later of a head injury. Prosecutors say Roberts passed the cars recklessly and contributed to Potter's death. The trial was expected to end late Wednesday night. See Friday's Times for details.

Crashes, crime continue to drop

In 2006, traffic crashes in the city dropped to a four-year low of 324. That's a 14 percent decrease compared with 2005, police announced Wednesday. Traffic injuries were down 8 percent and fatalities dropped 50 percent. More good news: The city had 1.1 percent fewer major crimes in 2006 than in 2005, police said. The decrease continued a six-year trend of decreases in serious crimes such as robbery, rape, murder, burglaries and thefts. In 2004, Chief Steven Burch noted in a news release, Crystal River experienced a "significant increase" in traffic congestion and crashes. In response, police got proactive with traffic enforcement, an education campaign and improved signage in key areas. In 2006, police issued 47.4 percent more citations than in 2005 and, aided by a new grant-funded DUI enforcement program, increased DUI arrests by 96 percent.

Officials seek dog that bit child

A child from Floral City was bitten Sunday by a black and white long-haired dog that resembles a border collie. The animal escaped as the owner was taking it to Animal Services. The dog was seen running on Placid Street in the Highlands on Tuesday. If the dog is not found, the child will have to undergo rabies treatments. If you have seen a dog of this description, you are asked to call Animal Services at 726-7660.

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[Last modified February 7, 2007, 21:03:38]